Harry Connick, Jr.’s mentor appearance led to a meeting with “Idol” producers about joining the show’s 2014 panel. (Photo by FOX’s Michael Becker)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Multiple news outlets including CBS, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today and E! News has reported that American Idol’s head honchos are in talks with Harry Connick, Jr. to join the show’s upcoming (13th) season.
If they are successful, the crooner-actor will be the first member of the 2014 American Idol judging panel.
However, a lot of veteran Idol fans would like to have some familiar faces on next year’s panel. When Nigel and Ken start to think about hiring new judges, then perhaps they should promote (or bring back) people within the Idol network of alums and judges.
The audience roared with delight when original judge Paula Abdul surprised Candice Glover during the Top Five Results Show. Could her cameo lead to a return to the Judges’ Panel? (Photo by FOX’s Michael Becker)
Returning judge
Paula Abdul: She remains one of the most beloved television judges of all-time thanks to her chemistry with Randy and Simon on Idol’s first seven seasons. However, in Richard Rushfield’s American Idol: The Untold Story, the author claimed that Abdul was treated badly by the show’s producers who refused to offer the same payout to her that host Ryan Seacrest and then-judge/sparring partner Simon Cowell received for Abdul’s final two seasons. The relationship between the two parties must have improved since Abdul surprised frontrunner Candice Glover on the Top Five results show. Could this mean that Nigel and Ken are slowly trying to phase her back into the show? This author hopes so!
Alums
Kelly Clarkson: Clarkson’s ascension to superstardom would come full circle if producers should ask her to join the show. Although, many fans of the show might think it would be uncanny to have Clarkson on the panel, it makes the most sense if the show wants to get its ratings back up.
Clay Aiken could bring absent “Idol” viewers back if he was asked back to join the 2013 “Idol” panel. (Photo by FOX’s Michael Becker)
Clay Aiken: While the American Idol: Season Two runner-up has not interacted with the show until this season’s Top Five week, Aiken is very business savvy and he showed it on last year’s Celebrity Apprentice. He also knows about the disappointments and triumphs that the artists will experience outside the Idol bubble and could be a great judge (or possibly mentor) to Season 13’s contestants.
Jennifer Hudson: The Season Three superstar is the only alum to win an Oscar and a Grammy and she could a lot of spice to the panel if Hudson was asked to join the show. Unfortunately, the only thing holding her back from joining the show is her busy work schedule.
Carrie Underwood has won multiple awards for her work in the music industry. But will her reputation as being aloof haunt her if she is offered a chair on “Idol’s” 2013 panel? (Photo by FOX’s Michael Becker)
Carrie Underwood: Nigel and Ken would score ratings gold if they signed their biggest alum to join the Season 13 panel. But, despite her six Grammy Awards and People’s Choice Awards, Richard Rushfield painted Underwood as aloof during her time as a contestant on the show in his 2011 book. Has Underwood changed her attitude since her time on Idol? If yes, Nigel and Ken should begin talks. If not, will the crew put up with another Jennifer Lopez or Mariah Carey-like personality if the “Blown Away” singer joins the show?
Chris Daughtry: After Aiken, the Season Five rocker is the show’s most successful male alum. Chris Daughtry would be an interesting move for the show because rock has been slowly disappearing from the incoming finalists’ repertoire since David Cook won back in 2008. However, could Chris’s appearance on the panel influence rockers to return to audition for the aging FOX show?
Melinda Doolittle: The Season Six fan-favorite was one of the show’s greatest contestants. Since her time on the show, Doolittle has appeared on the fan-favorite Idol webseries, Idology, with TVLine’s Michael Slezak. Melinda has been spot-on with her critiques and insights since the webseries’s inception, which makes her a perfect candidate to join the Season 13 panel.
Adam Lambert has experience being both a contestant and mentor on “Idol.” Will show producers add judge to his “Idol” experience? (Photo by AP’s Efrem Lukatsky)
Adam Lambert: Adam is the only alum to return to the show and mentor contestants. The Season Eight standout and Grammy-nominee would be a welcome addition to the show because he would bring back the honesty Idol needs to repair its integrity.
If you were in Nigel and Ken’s shoes, which “Idol” family members would you ask back to become judges?
Clay Aiken would be a great judge! I would start watching American Idol again if he were on! He’s intelligent and funny and knows what it’s like to be a contestant!
Clay would be a great choice . To correct the article, he was on Idol last in 2006 when he did the surprise appearance with Michael Sandecki. It was declared the best Idol moment ever. He has great taste, knowledge and intelligence to do a great job
Count this household in for a vote for Aiken. He has the talent in spades, excellent speaking skills, and the perfect, witty personality. Have thought this for ages. We also believe he could replace Ryan in a heartbeat.
That is not a bad idea at all!
totally would love to see Clay Aiken and/or Kelly Clarkson on the show. Keith Urban has been awesome, how about Keith, Clay, Paula and Kelly. Randy can go to mentor status. I think we all need a break from Randy, Jimmy too for that matter.
Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken are my picks.
Clay Aiken would be my choice for a judge on AI next season. I think he would be a great. He’s already done some judging and knows the show needs to ” get back to the basics” bring back some dignity to the show, and real, helpful, constructive criticism to the contestants.
I’d love to see Clay Aiken as a judge or a mentor. He knows how to give constructive criticism and his experience as a contestant would be invaluable. His season was the one that really put American Idol out there as a top show. Would love to have him return and bring back the excitement that was there for AI2.
Unfortunately answers you get for your question won’t necessarily be very objective. You will more likely to get bombarded by various AI alumni fans. Being a great performer isn’t all it takes to make a good judges. Experiencing ups and downs of the business over several years is very important. Looks to some of the older idols for that quality.
Personality and the ability to see things objectively is also a key. The day of the “mean” comment idol judge was over when Simon left AI. It hasn’t worked for anyone else because it was part of who Simon was. Everyone who tries it is just an imitator. More important are good critiques that give the contestants tips and hints on what they can do better.
Idol needs more than new judges. They need a new and updated song catalog that reflects music of the 21st century, music that is being sung by today’s stars. Let’s not forget Ryan whose jokes and and comments have become totally stale over the years. He needs to go.
I don’t think Idol wants real judges who know music and would help the contestants. Idol is all about manipulating the audience to vote for their chosen winner. A guy like Clay could never do that. He has too much integrity. I don’t think Harry Connick JR is that kind of guy either.
Clay Aiken and Kelly Clarkson for sure
I would love to see Clay Aiken as a judge, I believe he would make a good one!
If Clay Aiken were back our family would definitely start watching Idol again. After watching him during his master class he certainly has a way with the kids and his constructive critiques made sense. It was another side of Mr. Aiken that was very impressive. He is a very bright and articulate man and would be a definite asset as a judge.
Clay Aiken. He is very articulate and fair.
Clay would be a great judge. He is funny and smart. I don’t know if want him to do it though. I don’t know if anyone can save Idol and I wouldn’t want Clay to be blamed.
I like your thoughts about Clay Aiken being an Idol judge & agree as to why he should be. I’ve been thinking about that since I saw him on Top 5 night. Not only would he make a good judge for the reasons you stated, I think he could also be very entertaining interacting with the other judges. In case no one has noticed, the judges/mentors on The Voice all get along & interact with each other & it’s fun to watch.
I’m in full agreement with everyone here for the reasons stated, that Clay Aiken would be a great choice for judge.
Clay was/is a teacher & knows how to give constructive criticism & motivate young people. I saw clips from the master class & he truly enjoys & likes mentoring kids.
I would like to see Kelly Clarkson & Adam Lambert:) They are my two favorites!
Kelly was the first Idol & she is amazing & so pretty! Adam is mesmerizing in front of the camera, articulate & look at him…. those eyes are so beautiful! My third choice would be Carrie, she is stunningly gorgeous and has a phenomenal voice.
I vote for Clay Aiken all the way. He would be a fantastic judge and mentor. He is very intelligent and very funny. He has a quick wit that’s for sure.